Rum in The Hoosier State
Home of the Indy 500, fertile farmland, and… rum? While Indiana might be more famous for its motorsports, agriculture and military sites, it’s quietly carving out a place in the rum world, in bourbon’s backyard. Indiana’s fertile farmland, vibrant craft distilleries, and abundance of ageing barrels make it an intriguing destination for rum lovers. In the heart of the Midwest, Indiana borders Lake Michigan, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois.
The state’s geography including the Great Lakes contributes to its limestone-rich soil and continental climate. Indiana’s famous crops are corn and soybeans and is also the top producer of popcorn. Indiana’s agriculture doesn’t extend to sugarcane, the cold winters cut that short. The Ohio River has been a vital waterway for distillers over the centuries.
Indiana’s geography, including its proximity to the Great Lakes, contributes to its limestone-rich soil and continental climate. This environment is well-suited for agriculture, with corn and soybeans as major crops (Indiana is a top popcorn producer). While sugarcane can’t thrive in the state’s cold winters, the abundance of other grains, combined with the historical significance of the Ohio River for distilling, creates a platform for Indiana’s developing rum scene.
Who are the “Hoosiers”? The nickname is believed to have originated with early settlers from the South and is synonymous with Indiana. The state’s distilling history stretches back to 1847, with rum running thriving along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan during Prohibition. Since legalising craft distilling in 2013, Indiana has seen growth in new distilleries. It’s time for your insider’s guide to Indiana rum, we travel north to south.
Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana, bordered by Lake Michigan and sharing close ties with the Chicago metropolitan area, is a region of industrial heritage and diverse communities. Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago are key cities here, but also have attractions like Indiana Dunes National Park, Fair Oaks Farms, and the Kankakee Sands Bison Prairie.
18th Street Distillery
18th Street Distillery, Indiana’s largest Black-owned distillery, offers a unique experience, from its handcrafted spirits to its welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Drew Fox, the distillery, which grew out of the 18th Street Brewery (est. 2010), is Hammond’s first since Prohibition. While whiskey is their primary focus, they also produce a 90-proof white rum distilled on-site using blackstrap molasses in a copper pot still. At the tasting room, enjoy pub fare alongside craft cocktails featuring house-made simple syrups and fresh juices. Sharing space with 18th Street Brewery in the Gary Taproom, you can sample their rum in a cocktail, purchase a bottle, and even join one of their yoga sessions.
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3 Floyds Distillery
Three Floyds Brewing founded by Nick Floyd in Munster, started producing spirits in 2017. Their “Not Normal” ethos continues and they are known for their striking craft beer range, including the legendary Dark Lord stout, and the annual Munsterfest, the distillery crafts whiskeys, gins, rums, and aquavit using traditional and innovative techniques. Their rum includes Blanq Reavers Silver Rum, Boatface Rum, and the exclusive Sea’s Cruelty Banana Coconut Rum. This 100-proof, small-batch rum is made from 100% evaporated cane juice, infused with dried banana and toasted coconut, and finished in Dark Lord barrels. Sea’s Cruelty is available only at their Munster retail kiosk. Visit the Brewpub & Distillery, which also hosts corporate events and weddings.
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Journeyman Distillery – Valparaiso
Founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife Bill and Johanna Welter in Michigan, they have now opened a new location in Valparaiso. Valparaiso is Bill’s hometown, and his family has a deep history of entrepreneurship in the area. At the historic American Factory Building, Journeyman opened its new distillery in late 2023, in Indiana. It’s one of the few that makes its whiskies, craft spirits and liqueurs from certified organic ingredients and kosher as set out by Kosher Organics. Roads End Rum is reminiscent of early 20th-century Jamaican rums and Double-distillation from 100% organic Mexican Blackstrap Molasses. When a road meets its end, there’s little more to do than reflect, turn around and see where you’ve been. Road’s End Rum Aged – Navy Strength is aged in their own used Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon barrels and is bottled at 114 Proof. Take a tour of the brewery, distillery and production floor to find out how the rum is distilled before you settle in for a sampling. The microbrewery and tasting room, Sea of Monsters, makes its own beer, and the rum is available at the Spirit Shop. Musicians play live music in the courtyard, where relaxed seating and lawn games.
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North Central Indiana
From about 50 miles north of Indianapolis, all the way to Notre Dame in St. Joseph County and Amish Country in Elkhart County, this region combines fertile farmland, thriving industries, and expanding suburbs. Fort Wayne up to the “Michiana” region of southwestern Michigan, there are lakes and the Chain O’ Lakes State Park if you like to paddle and sip rum nearby.
Edwin Coe Spirits
In Churubusco, northwest of Fort Wayne, this artisan distillery creates craft spirits distilled from locally harvested grain. They’ve been making rum since 2016. Edwin Coe Rum is a double pot-distilled, organic cane sugar rum that’s charcoal-filtered and bottled unaged. Edwin Coe Barrel Aged Rum is a full-flavoured rum aged 12+ months in used Old Coe barrels, it’s a special release only offered at the distillery. Try them in a cocktail at the distillery bar on Fridays 5pm-10pm Saturdays 4pm-10pm or pick up a bottle at the shop Tues/Wed 3-6pm. They have live music, and cocktail classes and the Fork & Fiddle is an onsite food truck for bites.
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Central Indiana
From the gently sloping hills and level plains traversed by the White River (part of the Mississippi watershed) to the capital city of Indianapolis, there’s much to see and do in Central Indiana. Bloomington, Muncie, and Anderson are among the region’s other notable cities. Enjoy the temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, and be sure to visit Cataract Falls (pictured) and the covered bridge capital of the world, Parke County.
8th Day Distillery
This local craft distillery is located in downtown Indianapolis, at the Circle City Industrial Complex. It was founded by the Lamping family in 2015 producing local spirits. Led by co-founders Matt, Jaime and Phil the distiller & barrel/warehouse manager. 8th day symbolises the desire for more time to do what you love, like crafting spirits. They began distilling and launched gin and rum to the market.
They currently offer pot-distilled clear rum and spiced rum in the core lineup. The rum starts with a blend of molasses and turbinado sugar sourced from a 7th generation family farm in Louisiana, then undergoes a 4-5 day open top fermentation process at the distillery. Once fermentation is completed the rum is then double-pot distilled. At the time of writing, they have a very limited supply of fan favourite 8th Day Queen’s Share Rum. This batch of 8th Day Queen’s Share was aged in a once-used bourbon barrel for 7 years and bottled at 100 proof. They like to call it a bourbon drinkers’ kind of rum. This limited release can only be bought at the Distillery Bottle Shop and Cocktail Bar. The rum is featured in the tasting room’s house cocktails and flights, and the distillery offers workshops, classes, and tours.
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Oakley Brothers Distillery
Brothers Jerrad and Jason Oakley have been operating their Anderson-based distillery since 2018. Inspired during a hiking trip to Machu Picchu they started the venture in a 100-year-old building. Their Bourbon Country roots focus on Hell or Rye Water Bourbon and Flyover Whiskey but also make rum, vodka, agave spirit, moonshine, and liqueurs. They started making rum over 5 years ago called Oakley Brothers Mutiny Rum, a white rum at 90 proof and then an Oakley Brothers Mutiny Aged Rum was launched in 2021, which is the white rum barrel aged. They produce, bottle and sell their own spirits on-site and create cocktails using them, so try the rum in a cocktail. Tastings are on Friday and Saturday nights giving thirsty customers the chance to try before you buy.
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Savage Distilling
In Columbus formed in 2017 owner Mike Arbuckle a military veteran began distilling his own spirits after being inspired by his grandfather’s winemaking days. Savage Distilling makes a wide selection of spirits including wheated bourbon, white rum, barrel-aged rum, rye whiskey, and moonshine. The tasting room, distillery, bar and food service have a speakeasy neighbourhood tavern vibe next to the Columbus Rock Climb. The atmosphere is a laid-back vibe where you can shoot pool, and enjoy pub food, worth a visit when in Columbus.
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Indiana Uplands
Discover the Indiana Uplands, a region known for Brown County National Park and its agricultural heritage, smaller cities, and relaxed rural lifestyle. Explore charming towns like Richmond, Nashville, and New Castle.
Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Hard Truth Distilling Co. began distilling in 2015 in the small upper rooms of Big Woods Pizza Co. in downtown Nashville. They developed in 2017 with Hard Truth Campus, which houses the Hard Truth Distillery, the Hard Truth Tours & Tastings Center, and the Hard Truth Restaurant. They’ve become one of Indiana’s biggest distilleries and produce gin, vodka, rum and whiskey.
Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum was released in 2018 by blending house-toasted coconut flakes, sea salt, cane sugar, and white rum (fermented and distilled from sugar and molasses blend). Master Distiller Bryan Smith based the formulation on his grandmother’s coconut cream pie recipe, fondly remembering his introduction to the joys of flavour in her kitchen. Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum is available to taste straight or in numerous delicious cocktails at the 325-acre distillery campus in Nashville, Indiana. You can visit their onsite restaurant, tour and tasting centre, and also find the rum in stores state-wide.
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Southern Indiana
The region is often referred to as the Black Forest and borders Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio. It’s renowned for apple orchards and the production of apple brandy. Visit wineries and distilleries in Elizabeth, West Baden Springs, and Borden. The Hoosier National Forest and French Lick Scenic Railway add to the region’s charm.
Best Vineyards
In Elizabeth, Best Vineyards started as an experiment to grow table grapes on a farm that Wilbert Best purchased in 2000. In 2015, they added a distillery to the property and produced high-quality wines and spirits with natural flavouring and no artificial ingredients. Best Vineyards White Rum is created from dark, rich molasses to produce a rum reminiscent of Jamaican rum. This is good by itself or mixed for a flavourful daiquiri. Best Vineyards Spiced Rum is a rich molasses rum barrel aged 1 year with warm spices. Best Vineyards hosts events like the Chocolate Lovers Weekend and a Jazz, Wine, and Craft Beer festival. It’s close to downtown Louisville, Kentucky for a tour and tasting.
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Spirits of French Lick
John and Kim Doty founded Spirits of French Lick in 2016 in West Baden Springs beside French Lick. The distillery grew out of the success of the French Lick Winery. In 1811, French settlers established the town around a trading post near a mineral spring and salt lick—a place where animals gathered to lick the salty deposits, giving the town its name. The distillery’s master distiller Alan Bishop is a well-known Hoosier historian. He grew up in a family that made a lot of apple brandy. The distillery focuses on bourbon, brandy, botanical spirits, and American whiskey. Spirits of French Lick double pot distill the rum and it’s said to be the largest pot-still distillery in the state.
Stamper’s Creek Rum is distilled from high-grade molasses that comes from Louisiana sun-dried sugar cane with no sugars removed. The mash is then fermented at 57° over two weeks using a specially selected strain of wine yeast to capture all of the aromatic, estery, and phenolic compounds. This rum is produced from a blend of two batches. In the second batch, they used backset from the previous batch to sour the wash for fermentation and lower the pH. This rum was double pot distilled slow and cold to retain and concentrate the flavours of the molasses. The average proof of heart is 140. The final product is a tank rested in stainless steel and aerated to blow off unwanted volatile phenolics. They are open every day apart from Tuesday.
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Starlight Distillery
In Borden, Starlight Distillery was established in 2001 and is part of the Huber Family Orchard & Winery which goes back to 1843. The town of Starlight is named after a bright light in a general store window that was compared to a star in the sky. Starlight is one of the oldest and largest distilleries in Indiana. Starlight Distillery Silver Rum is a blend of two different molasses. Light and dark Caribbean molasses bring distinctively different notes after distillation. It’s double distilled on a 500-gallon copper pot still. Nothing artificial and it is light-bodied, ideal for mixing. Starlight Distillery Spiced Rum uses the silver rum base and sources the spices to infuse it. Starlight is a destination stop with an orchard, winery, farm market, restaurant, distillery tours & tastings and even a wedding venue at Plantation Hall. You can enjoy a tasting in their tasting loft, it’s a popular spot, so book or plan ahead of your visit.
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Rolling Fork Rum
Founded by Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris in 2017, both grew up in Kentucky. They operate out of the Starlight Distillery and the name Rolling Fork is inspired by the old Rolling Fork Distillery established in 1788 by Henry Hudson Wathen, an ancestor of Turner’s. Rolling Fork Spirits is an independent blender and bottler of rums and Armagnacs sourced from distilleries around the world. This secondary maturation takes place in Indiana on the Knobstone Escarpment, a limestone bluff 900 feet above sea level which overlooks the Ohio River Valley. Being only 20 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky they have good access to casks and have over a dozen cask types of varied toast and char levels—from all styles of American whiskey to sherry and port wine casks.
Rolling Fork Heart of Gold is a blend of Barbados and Jamaican rum. Rolling Fork Wisdom of Age is a blend of unaged pot still rum distilled at the Hampden Distillery in Jamaica. They have numerous Single Cask rums at good establishments throughout the state and ship to most states.
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Cardinal Spirits
The craft distillery in Bloomington specialises in producing spirits from local ingredients. Jeff Wuslich and Adam Quirk are the co-founders. Cardinal Spirits distills about 12 core spirits, plus seasonal and limited-edition spirits and voted a USA Today 10 Best Craft Rum Distillery.
Cardinal Spirits Blackstrap Rum is made from 100% blackstrap molasses and aged in their own toasted-oak Creekbend Brandy barrel. This is a limited-edition single barrel. Tiki Rum is a light rum made from cane juice, light molasses, and deliciously fruity yeast. Cardinal Spirits Barrel Aged Tiki Rum is an award-winning Tiki Rum, aged for 5 years + 10 months in their bourbon barrels. Lake House Spiced Rum is an ode to lake life aka the best life. Spice-forward dry rum with lots of citrus + subtle vanilla made in small batches by steeping botanicals like orange peel, vanilla and cardamom in their light rum using wild yeast from sugar cane.
The distillery has a tasting room, cocktail bar, and restaurant, and offers distillery tours. The restaurant and bar have cocktails and food from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Try the Mango Papaya Daiquiri, Rummy Hot Chocolate or Handsome Devil cocktails at the bar and the patio is among the best in Bloomington, overlooking the B-Line walking and biking path.
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We couldn’t leave Indiana without mentioning Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg (southeast Indiana, just 30 miles from Cincinnati). Founded in 1847, this historic distillery, known for a long time as MGP Ingredients, is a major contract distiller for the whiskey industry. Ross & Squibb also produces rum brands like Lady Bligh, which are distilled and bottled in St. Louis, Missouri.
Hotel Tango distillery in Indianapolis did make a rum but has stopped to focus on other spirits. Indiana’s rum scene is constantly evolving, and we’re here to keep you updated. Our Indiana Rum Map is your go-to resource for the latest distilleries, bars, and rum experiences. In addition to distillery tasting rooms, here are some other great places to sip local rum.
Where To Enjoy Rum in Indiana
Bloomington: The Dunnkirk Library, Atlas Ballroom
Carmel: Sun King Brewery has locations at Indianapolis Airport, Fishers, Kokomo & Mishawaka
Crown Point: Zombie Club Tiki Lounge
Evansville: Inland Marina and Tiki Bar
Fish Lake: Twisted Tiki Sports Bar & Pizzeria
Gary: Miller Beach Cigar Bar
Goshen: Common Spirits
Greensburg: Beach Tiki Bar & Grill
Indianapolis: The Inferno Room, Union 50, Strange Bird (pictured), Almost Famous, The Saint Shack, Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge, Yard House, Nowhere Special, Delicia.
Hoosier Heritage is Indiana’s official cocktail, but you could switch out the bourbon for a local rum on your next visit. Try the recipe with rum, apple cider, lemon juice & maple syrup. Indiana’s craft spirits scene has gained national acclaim and there are many hidden gem experiences still to be discovered here.
Beyond the Indy 500, there are many festivals, the Rhumfest Music & Arts Festival Held at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in downtown Kokomo. Makahiki: A Night of Tiki is an annual tiki event in Indianapolis that partners with The Inferno Room. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway, golfing, skiing, paddling, visiting military sites or just looking for some rum refreshment, we have you covered in the Crossroads of America.
For more general travel advice on Indiana Tourism
For travel planning use our Indiana Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article and use of images. Other image credits go to Canva Pro and user contributions.
